Houstonians Party Mardi — and Raise $600K for Childhood Cancer Research

Priscilla Dickson
Houstonians Party Mardi — and Raise $600K for Childhood Cancer Research

Katherine Gring, LaJeana Hardig, Michelle Payne, Angela Dina, Joslyn Paris and Jeannette Muecke

THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of Mardi Gras-themed fun this time of year, but with a total till of $600,000 benefiting childhood cancer research, the Turn It Gold gala took things to another level.


The Royal Sonesta was the site for the Mardi Gras-themed party hosted by and benefiting the Turn It Gold foundation, established nine years ago by a Houston couple in response to their son’s diagnosis with stage-four neuroblastoma. Feather boas, sequins, balloons and cowboy hats could be spotted all over the ballroom — as could local celebs like former Texans star Owen Daniels and his wife Angela, and Houston Dash players Shae Groom and Michelle Alozie.

Nashville-based muisician Michael Hobby and his wife Caroline stood alongside former Aggie football star Seth Small to present the evening’s Bravery awards. Grace Mosby and Peyton Jackson were recognized for their courageous fights against cancer, and the family of Jake Hickford accepted the Brave Life award honoring his battle with neuroblastoma.

In addition to a seated dinner followed by dancing to a party-ready soundtrack provided by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, an entertaining live auction helped bring in thousands for the cause.

Shae Groom, Angela Dina, Daria Britton and Michelle Alozie

Travis Berg and Jason Schultz

Ashley Payne, Brett Payne, Michelle and Brian Payne, and Lauren Payne

Bernie and Greg Bailey

Owen and Angela Daniel with Patty and Sam Bowen

Fritz Fowler

Grace Mosby, Lance and Holly Mosby, and Kyle Mosby

Michael and Caroline Hobby

Melanie Saunders, Laura Werner, Holly Brannon, Katie Bahrami and Sarah Heinecke

Kim and Eddie Perdomo

Parties
Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel